Roofsit: $50,545 and counting. Thanks!

Townsquare Media's Battle Creek Radio Stations, WBCK and 104.9 The Edge,  hosted the 10th annual Roofsit for the Haven of Rest's Inasmuch House on Friday and Saturday, to raise much-needed  money for Calhoun County's shelter for homeless families.   Once again, the community came through, with donations totaling $50,545 when the two-day broadcast ended at 7pm on Saturday night.

$50,000 was the original goal for this years' event, but we decided to bump it up to $60,000, since August 19th will mark the Haven of Rest's 60th year helping people in our community.   We'll still be adding to the total for the next few weeks and hope to hit that $60,000 goal.

The broadcast was anchored by WBCK's Tim Collins and Richard Piet, with lots of help from Haven of Rest's Kelley Parish.  It was Parish who came up with the idea for the event ten years ago when she worked for the radio stations.   WBCK's Renk, Nico Berrios, and Nate Adams also helped out on the broadcast, with Garden Show host Bob Coward, Cassie Pherson from 104.9 the Edge, and many community leaders and members  of organizations who volunteered to help.

Haven of Rest Fund Development Coordinator Daniel Jones went above and beyond as ususal, as did Haven CEO Elaine Hunsicker.   Bucket Brigade volunteers collected change at intersections and shopping centers all over the community on both days.

One of the highlights of the Roofsit was an "unplugged" performance by the Jake Kershaw Band.  The trio of Jake Kershaw, Terry Oosterhart, and Ryan McFadden played blues music live on the roof on Friday afternoon.

The broadcast was sponsored in part by Finley's Smokehouse Grill, King Jewelers, and Advanced Pet Solutions.   CTS Telecom provided the phonelines that were answered by volunteers, including many from Elwell Salon.  Besco Water, Haylett RV, Battle Creek Equipment Rental and All You Need Grand Rental also helped a lot.

Big thanks to Dan and  Kelly Frever, owners of Mancino's Pizza and Grinders, who hosted the Roofsit at their new location on West Columbia.

Other sponsors for 2016 included St. Mark Lutheran Church, Chemical Bank, CTI Mechanical, Advia Credit Union, Marshall United Methodist Church, Victory Life Church, Dexter Lake Church, and Sam's Club.   The Huron Band of the Notawaseppi Potawatomi Tribe donated $5,000.  Panera Bread brought over $3,000.